Prince William County, Virginia is rich in history. Formed in 1731, it was named for Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, son of King George II. This blog is intended as a place for descendants and researchers of PWCo families to find and share information.

Friday, May 30, 2014

In the name of God Amen I ELIZABETH BRAZIER of the county of
Prince William and commonwealth of Virginia being of sound mind and memory, but
aged and infirm, do make this my last will & testament hereby revoking all
former wills by me made.

Imprimis I commit my soul to God from whom I received it,
and my body to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my
Executors hoping in a joyful resurrection through the mediation of our blessed
savior. With respect to the property I
leave behind me I bequeath it in the following manner.

I give and bequeath to WILLIAM BARNES Esq. Of the Town of
Dumfries as trustee for my daughter SARAH HARRISON CANNON, and her heirs, not
to be subject to the will or controul of her husband JOHN CANNON, but for her
entire and separate use, a negro man slave called BEN, left to me by my mother
MARY FOWKE, and I do request and injoin my said trustee WILLIAM BARNES Esq. To
hire out the said slave BEN after my decease from year to year for the use of
my said daughter and to account with her annually for the same; I also give and
bequeath to WILLIAM BARNES Esq. Of the Town of Dumfries as Trustee for my said
daughter SARAH HARRISON CANNON, and her heirs, not to be subject to the will or
controul of her husband JOHN CANNON, but for her entire and separate use, all
the horses, cattle, household furniture and wearing apparel, which I may leave
at the time of my death, and I do request and injoin the said WILLIAM BARNES
Esq. To dispose of the said stock or furniture, and place the same out at interest
for the benefit of my said daughter and her heirs and account with her annually
for the same; and it is my will, that if my daughter SARAH HARRISON CANNON,
shall survive her husband JOHN CANNON, then the whole of the bequests as before
mentioned made to her and her heirs shall be immediately vetted in her, and the
above mentioned WILLIAM BARNES be entirely discharged from the same, he
accounting properly for any monies arising from the same that may be in his
hands.

Lastly, I appoint my friends Col. JOHN HOOE and WILLIAM
BARNES Esq. Of Dumfries my executors.
Given under my hand and seal this the 29th day of June 1795.

ELIZABETH [her mark] BRAZIER
{seal}

Signed, sealed and acknowledged before us

THOMAS BLACKBURN

CHRISTIAN BLACKBURN

At a court held for Prince William County the 3rd
day of April 1797.

This last will and testament of ELIZABETH BRAZIER decd. was
presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of THOMAS BLACKBURN and
CHRISTIAN BLACKBURN was ordered to be recorded.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Miss Ruby Athey, the thirteen year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Athey, died at her father's home near town at 2:15 a.m. yesterday, of typhoid pneumonia.

The young lady had been ill but a short time, the symptoms of pneumonia not becoming manifest until the day of her death. She was of a kind and loving disposition and made many friends among the young people with whom she was associated.

The funeral services will be conducted by Elder Dalton, from the Primitive Baptist Church, Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and the interment will take place in the town cemetery.

Monday, May 26, 2014

MANASSAS, VA, May 22 -- The Manassas Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy observed Memorial Day to-day, departing from their usual custom of holding the memorial exercises on the 3d of June, the birthday of Jefferson Davis, because of the Confederate Reunion, which is to take place in Richmond on that date. The exercises were well attended, the courthouse, at which the speaking took place, being packed to its utmost capacity. Addresses were delivered by Mr. R. L. Gordon, of Louisa; Judge C. E. Nicol, Mr. J. B. L. Thornton, Rev. W. H. K. Pendleton, of Wytheville, formerly of Manassas. Dr. H. M. Clarkson, the post laureate of the Manassas Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, read an original poem, which had for its theme the unveiling of the statue of Jefferson Davis. The speaking was interspersed with music, vocal and instrumental, one of the most pleasing features of the program being the singing of a large chorus of children. Mr. Gordon, who was the orator of the day, was introduced by his friend and opponent for a seat in Congress from the Eight District, Judge C. E. Nicol. The best of feeling exists between these two gentlemen, each in the course of their remarks referring to the other as "my good friend."

All Meet Mr. Roosevelt

President Roosevelt and party passed through here this afternoon on their return to Washington from Pine Knot. The President's train made a brief stop, and Mr. Roosevelt came to the rear platform of his car in response to a call from several men who were at the depot. Major James R. Purcell introduced himself and then the remainder of the party to the President. While they were talking the train began to back, and Mr. Roosevelt called to the crowd to get out of the way, saying that if they didn't mind a good Democrat would be killed. Mr. E. Nelson, clerk of the Circuit Court of Prince William county, responded, "Yes, and there are no Democrats to spare." The President replied that the last returns looked that way. The President was very democratic and pleasant to all, and extended his hand to many.

[On this Memorial Day 2014, we remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service their Country. Thank you and God bless. ~cgl]

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Member of Body Guard of Gen. Lee Dies of Old Age at Home Near Wellington

Mr. John Rollins died at his home between Wellington and Gainesville, Wednesday morning, of a complication of disease attendant upon old age, in his eighty-seventh year.

Mr. Rollins was a gallant soldier in the Confederate army, having served in the command of Col. Richardson, in the Headquarters Division, acting as Gen. Lee's body guard, and after the conflict was over, turned his attention to farming in which calling he has been very successful.

The deceased was an honorable upright man and made many friends both in the army and in the Wellington neighborhood in the years that followed the war.

Mr. Rollins is survived by one brother, Mr. James Rollins, of Wellington, three sons, Messrs. Wesley and Frederick, of Prince William, and Mr. Edward Rollins, of Fairfax; and two daughters, Mrs. Lucy Mock, of Fairfax, and Mrs. Alice Botts, who has lived at the home of her father.

CHURCH DEDICATION. The absence of Rev. Mr. Penick from his pulpit yesterday morning was due to his participation in the dedication services of a Baptist Church, in Prince William Co., Va. A friend, who was present at the dedication, gives us the following notes on the day: Along with a number of Manassas citizens, we left for the church soon after the arrival of the Virginia Midland train. The drive was on the road to Dumfries -- the point of destination being six and a half miles to the southeast of the junction, in the herat of the "Terrapin Forest." The ride was enlivened by the company of Maj. Whiting, who is, by the way, spoken of for the Legislature. Not being one of his possible voters, his attentions were not open to the electioneering taint of suspicion. Being the august Mayor of the day, his presence kept good order on the journey, appropos of which, it may be thrown in that our old friend, Agent Fewell, told us the Corporation was doint an encouraging business, frequently gathering a revenue uof from forty to fifty dollars per week from fines, and that they had even risen to the dignity of a watch house. There is probably enough enterprise among the Terrapin Foresters to keep up this institution. This morning's ride brought us, about 11:00 a.m., to a neat frame edifice, bearing over the door the inscription,

WOODBINE BAPTIST CHURCH, 1875.

Already within the house a mass of humanity, chiefly ladies, crowded each other in a perfect jam. With the exception of a few in and around the pulpit, the men were assembled at the door and the windows, or grouped within hearing, about their horses, vehicles and ___ baskets.

An impressive sermon by Rev. Mr. Penick was followed by a stirring effort to "raise the balance due," which was very nearly accomplished, and the service concluded with the dedicatory prayer. "The stranger within the gates" could not but notice the order and decorum, as well as the general attention paid by the audience. The novelty of the scene to unaccustomed eyes brought out much that was interesting. The speaker, thus addressing a large crowd which included many juveniles, "too young to leave their mothers," (or be left) had evidently "been," for the various infantile outbreaks of glee or woe seemed not to disturb him in the least.

At the dinner intermission it was made plain that "Terrapin Forest" had something to live to and was peopled by hospitable folks. After a satisfactory experience of this fact, there was a brief sermon from the same speaker, after which our party took the road again, making Manassas in good time for the train homeward.

[The Roadside Thoughts website notes that Terrapin Forest does not appear in the 1895 Rand McNally Atlas but Canova/Woodbine is located two miles to the northwest of the Terrapin Forest's present-day location. ~cgl]

Friday, May 23, 2014

An account of the sale of personal property of Saml. Tansill
decd. advertised to be sold at Occoquan on the 15th Oct. by Thomas R.
Love Trustee and adjirned [sic] to his late residence on the 16th
Oct. 1846 at the request of the administrator Seymour Lynn, the slaves not
having been brought to Occoquan.

Property Sold

Purchasers Name

Price

Negro woman Cinthia and two Children

C. E. Norman

400.00

[Negro] Ben old

Jno. W. Davis

236.00

[Negro} woman Lavinia old & infirm

Seymour Lynn

50.00

John small boy

Robert Windsor

180.00

866.00

T. R. Love, Trustee

16 Oct. 1846

In the Clerk’s Office of Prince William County, October 26,
1846, this account of sales was received and entered of record.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

In the name of God Amen I PRESLEY DAVIS of the County of
Prince William & State of Virginia do make & ordain this my last will
and testament in maner and form following: to wit First I give and bequeath
unto my beloved wife SALLY the use of all my property during her widowhood and
in case she should marry after my death I give unto her all the property I got
by the death of her father together with all that may be coming from his estate
and one horse the balance of the property which I give my wife during her
widowhood if she should marry I give to my children to be divided in the manner
hereafter mentioned. Secondly, all the property
which I willed to my wife during her widowhood, if she should marry again, I
give to be equally divided among my four sons at the time of marriage and if
she should not mary again to be divided at her death. Thirdly and lastly, I do hereby constitute
and appoint Richard Davis Junr. and Simon Luttrell Executors of this my last
will and testament revoking all others heretofore made by me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twenty sixth day of February eighteen hundred and twenty
three.

The words at the time of marriage interlined before signing.

PRESLEY DAVIS

Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of us the
subscribers

WM. P. DUNNINGTON, WM. C. DAVIS, FRANCIS JACKSON

At a Court held for Prince William County April 8th
1823. This last will and testament of
PRESLEY DAVIS decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of
WM. C. DAVIS & FRANCIS JACKSON is admitted to record and on the motion of
RICHD DAVIS JR. the Exor named in the said will who made oath thereto according
to law and executed and acknowledged a bond with security conditioned as the
law directs certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due
form.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

ACCIDENT. -- A correspondent of the Virginia Sentinel says: -- "A little by about six years of age, son of C. J. King, near Gainesville, Prince William county, Va., was accidentally shot during Christmas, while at play with one of his little brothers and sisters in a room by themselves, where the gun was setting. The gun is supposed to have been fired by one or both of the little ones, in entire ignorance of the danger."

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

As urban sprawl and development gobbles up more and more woodland and green spaces, developers and landowners alike are discovering small family cemeteries abandoned to time.

In our day and age, when we think of a cemetery we envision engraved tombstones and manicured lawns neatly contained within a fence or on a large municipal or religious property. But before the 20th century, that was not the norm, especially in rural areas. Engraved tombstones were expensive and the nearest stone carver might be located in a town more than 30 miles away. Available field stones, often of quartz, were used to mark the resting place of a loved one. Instead of engraving, oral history was passed down from generation to generation so that the family knew who was buried where in their private little cemetery. Unfortunately, when a family died or the land passed out of their hands, the identity of the graves and even the site itself could be lost to time.

This is the case of many of the Lynn and related cemeteries in Independent Hill in the Coles Magisterial District of Prince William County.

The photo below is an excellent example. If you were hiking through the woods and were unaware of the use of field stones as headstones, would you recognize this as a grave site?

Lynn-Norman Cemetery, Independent Hill
(photo by C. Lynn)

This photo was taken in the small wooded area beside the Coles District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station. Oral history in the area has known about this cemetery for many years and, fortunately, this particular site has a name associated with it because of the one engraved headstone that rested there. Other sites -- like the Lynn Family Cemetery on the 12th High School Construction Site -- do not.

The next time you see a small upright stone standing in a field or a wooded area or in a somewhat unlikely place, give it a closer look. You may have found a lost family cemetery. In any case, please mark the location with a GPS (available on most smart phones) and share the information with your local historical representatives.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Prince William Public Works and the Coles District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station have posted a Notice on the PWCo Government's website seeking the Public's help. Anyone with information about the identity of the cemetery is asked to contact Matthew Corneliussen (703-792-5296) or Lou Ann Dorrier (703-792-6674).

Friday, May 16, 2014

The following was transcribed from the the Prince William County Court Archives by Ronald R. Turner:

Prince William County Court September 2nd 1856

This Deed
of Emancipation from Janney to Carter &c. was acknowledged by the said
Joseph Janney and ordered to be recorded.

Teste. P. D. Lipscomb, clerk

This deed made by Joseph Janney of Prince William County in
the State of Virginia Witnesseth that he doth emancipate and set free Negro
woman Rachel Carter and her son Thomas Carter who were conveyed to him the said
Janney by bill of sale from Jeremiah D. Woodyard dated the 20th day
of May 1835 and that he the said Janney doth emancipate and set free the
following named children of the said Rachel born since the said conveyance
namely Sarah Carter supposed to be about 18 years old, Mary Carter about
seventeen years old, Louisa Carter about fifteen years old, Addison Carter
about fourteen years old and Cornelius Carter about ten years old.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

THIS INDENTURE made this first day of September in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty seven between JAMES KEYS of the County of Prince William and state of Virginia of the first part and BENSON LYNN of the same County and State of the second part and SIMON LUTTRELL of the aforesaid County and State of the third part; Witnesseth that whareas the said JAMES KEYS is justly indebted to the said SIMON LUTTRELL in the sum of seventy four dollars sixteen cents to be paid on demand as by a bond bearing date the 31st day of August 1827 more fully appears which debt the said JAMES KEYS is willing and desireous to secure. Now this Indenture witnesseth that for and in consideration of the premises and also for the further consideration of one dollar lawful money of Virginia to the said JAMES KEYS in hand paid by the said BENSON LYNN at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whareof is hereby acknowledged he the said JAMES KEYS hath given granted bargained and sold and by these presents doth give grant bargain and sell to the said BENSON LYNN his heirs executors Administrators and assigns the following property. Viz. One hor(s)e, one mare, two cows, two yearlings eight hogs, two beds & furniture all the crop of corn & fodder growing on the land and all the right title and interest of the said JAMES KEYS in and to the said property. To have and to hold the aforesaid property until the said BENSON LYNN his heirs executors and administrators or assigns forever. In trust never the less for the uses and purposes herein after mentioned and for none other that is to say if the said JAMES KEYS his heirs executors or administrators shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid the said sum of seventy four dollars sixteen cents with such interest as may be due on the same on or before the 10 day of the present month (September) then the said BENSON LYNN his executors or administrators is to reconvey such right title and interest in and to the said property to the said JAMES KEYS his heirs or assigns at the proper costs and charges of him the said JAMES KEYS his heirs executors administrators or assigns. But upon the failour of the said JAMES KEYS his heirs executors administrators or assigns to pay or cause to be paid to the said SIMON LUTTRELL his certain attorney his executors administrators or assigns the said sum of seventy four dollars sixteen cents with whatever interest may be due on the same then it shall be competent for the said BENSON LYNN his executors or administrators upon giving twenty day notice of the time and place of the sale to sell at public auction for cash to the highest bidder the whole or so much of the said property here by conveyed or intended to be conveyed as will be sufficient to rase the said sum of seventy four dollars sixteen cents & the costs attending the sale thereof the notice to be given at the front door of the Court House of Prince William County and some other public place in said County and after paying and dischargeing all the costs and charges necessary to carry the provisions of this Indenture into effect shall pay and satisfy to the said SIMON LUTTRELL the said sum of seventy four dollars and seventeen cents. In testimony whareof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this day and year first in the premises writen.

At a Court held for Prince William County September 3d. 1827. This Indenture between JAMES KEYS of the 1st part BENSON LYNN of the 2d. part & SIMON LUTTRELL of the 3d. part was acknowledged by the parties thereto to be their act & deed & admitted to record.

The Leachman place is one of the popular social centers of Prince William County. "Folly Castle" was so named when the century was young. It has sheltered the gentry of at least five generations, and its solid walls seem good for another century, although there are imbedded in the English-made bricks, shot and shell from the batteries of the contending armies of Bull Run, when "Folly Castle" lay "between the lines."

Thomas Leachman and Betty Lewis - named for her famous far-away Virginia cousin - were married December 27, 1849. It came near being a runaway match. But Betty Lewis told her father on the morning of her marriage day that with or without consent, she would within the hour marry the man of her choice. The guests had been bidden, she said, the best man chosen, the license secured, and the minister in readiness. Wise in his day, the father gave his consent, and so the couple were married in the old Bethlehem Church, near Manassas. Of the few friends present, not one is living to-day.

On Wednesday, after fifty years of wedded happiness, Mr. and Mrs. Leachman had with them to receive their guests, the nine children born to them. Not a chair was vacant.

There were many guests from Washington and Alexandria, and the relatives and friends from Prince William and the surrounding counties were legion. The great fireplaces were filled with blazing logs, defying the storm. The many costly and beautiful presents were displayed upon a century-old mahogany sideboard, and each represented, in some way, the auspicious golden anniversary. Conspicuous among the glittering array was a large ivory and gold picture frame. Back of the glass was arranged some fifty gold coins ranging from gold dollars to golden eagles, the gifts of friends, children, and grandchildren.

Supper was served in the dining-room, which was adorned with yellow and white crysanthemums.

The Leachman home has been a landmark in Prince William County for over 100 years. The bricks show no sign of crumbling, and the plastering upon the walls, put there so many generations ago, is hard and smooth, showing never a crack. In the parlor, to the left of the wide hall, the frieze is of hard-carved hardwood, dark with age, and all above the wide fireplace, reaching in massive beauty to the very frieze, is the most exquisite hand-carving.

Monday, May 12, 2014

I ALLMAN FORTUNE of Prince William County being in ill
health but of perfect mind, do make this my last will in the manner following,
to wit, I give to my relation GARNER FORTUNE all the property I may die
possess’d of, it is also my will that he shall sue for or recover on any other
way in my name but for his benefit all the right title & interest that I
have in a certain sum of money which my mother made a deed of gift of to me,
which stands on record in the office of Caroline County for the recovery of
which money I have ordered a suit, in testimony whereof, I have set my hand and
seal this fourteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and sixteen.

ALLMAN FORTUNE {seal}

Witness:

THOMAS I. NEWMAN, GEORGE W. BRASFIELD, GEO. TENNILL

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William
County June 2nd 1817 this last will and testament of ALLMAN FORTUNE
decd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of GEO. W.
BRASFIELD and GEO. TENNILL is admitted to record and administration of the
estate of ALLMAN FORTUNE decd with the will annexed is granted to GARNER
FORTUNE who took the oath of an admin. And entered into and acknowledged a bond
with security according to same.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

On the 3d inst. at his residence near Staunton, John H. Peyton, Esq. in the sixty-ninth year of his age. He was a gentleman of high merit and distinguished reputation remarkable -- for the vigor of his intellect, and his excellent social domestic qualities. Mr. Peyton was a native of Prince William county, and completed his education at Princeton College. After qualifying himself for the bar, he settled in the town of Dumfries, and commenced the practice of law, which he pursued with great success; but the state of his health rendering a change of climate necessary, he removed in the summer of 1809, to the town of Staunton, and served the ensuing winter in the House of Delegates, to which he had been elected from his native county. He continued for many years the practice of his profession, in which he acquired a high reputation, and was greatly distinguished by his eminent ability as prosecutor for the Commonwealth in several counties. Retiring from the bar, in the latter part of his life, to the enjoyment of an ample fortune and liberal hospitality, he was called into the public service as the representative of the Augusta and Rockbridge district in the State Senate, and possessed so fully the confidence of his constituents, that, though he declined a re-election, they chose him for a second term.

A few years since, his health received a severe shock, which compelled him to resign his seat from the Legislature and devote himself exclusively to his family, in the bosom of which he bore the afflictions of an oppressive disease with philosophic resignation.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

A wedding of much interest to society here was that of Miss Marion Russelle Cecil, daughter of Colonel G. R. Cecil, U.S.A., and Mrs. Cecil, to Alfred E. Bruch, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Bruch, of Cleveland. The ceremony took place yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at the home of the bride's parents in Washington, with the Rev. C. Ernest Smith, of St. Thomas's Church, officiating. The wedding was celebrated in the sun-parlor, which was decorated in white lilacs, roses and lilies, against a background of palms and Southern smilax, and the bridal party passed to the altar through arches of smilax and white blossoms. A stringed orchestra played the wedding music.

The bride entered with her father, who gave her away. Her wedding dress was of white satin trimmed in chiffon and rose point lace worn by her mother at her wedding, and the skirt was finished with side panels of pearls and iridescent beads. Her long court train was lined with cloth of silver and embroidered in pearls, and her veil of illusion was of tulle edged with rosepoint lace. She carried a shower bouquet of orchids and lilies of the valley. The bride's only ornament was a brooch of diamonds, the groom's gift.

Miss Nancy Leary Patton, of Richmond, who was the bride's made of honor and only attendant, wore a French dress of chartreuse Georgette crepe over gold, embroidered in blue and gold beads, with a picture hat to match. Her flowers were Ophelia roses. Edward Bruch, of Cleveland, was the best man.

An informal reception followed the ceremony, after which Mr. and Mrs. Bruch left for a honeymoon trip to New York and the West. They will later motor back to their country estate "Ben Lomond," near Manassas.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

James Benjamin Cole was the son of Bolivar Cole and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Keys.On his World War I Draft Registration card, James Benjamin Cole was a self employed farmer whose nearest relative was Boliver Cole of Bristow. He was described as white, tall, medium build, with gray eyes and black hair (12 September 1918).

~ ~ ~

Manassas Journal27 May 1921 An ice cream and box social, formerly postponed on account of the weather, will be given at the I.O.O.F. Hall at Independent Hill next Thursday evening at 8 o'clock for the benefit of Highland Lodge, I.O.O.F. The committee in charge is composed of Messrs. James B. Cole, Arthur Luck and Richard L. Tharp. The public is cordially invited to attend.